A mostly successful weekend bookended by the First Team recording the most satisfying of wins and at the lower end of the age range the U12 Boys scoring a remarkable 19 goals:
The Firsts beat Clapton Community FC 2-1 at home in the Premiership Cup. This was the most satisfying of wins as Clapton had unexpectedly beaten the Dragons on penalties in last season’s Cup Final. This time the Dragons stayed composed and solid throughout the match, with no wobbling towards the end to allow Clapton back in. This was a very good performance to knock out the Cup holders.
The Blues were beaten 0-3 away at Kodak. The teams were evenly matched but three mistakes gave Kodak a win they did not wholly deserved.
The Old Dragonians won 6-0 at home against CB Hounslow in the League Cup. The Dragons dominated the tie playing better football, scoring 6 good goals and keeping a clean sheet. A job well done and onto the next round.
The U11 Boys just lost 2-4 in their first ever match against the veteran Belmont Bees away. The first match of a new Dragons U11s team is always stressful. On this occasion the pressure mounted as the match was away and against an experienced Belmont side. The Dragons however rose to the challenge magnificently in this fierce, competitive, and often lightning-fast match. Belmont won but could just as easily lost.
The U12 Boys beat Football Samurai 19-1 away. A second victory in a row – and a resounding one at that. Credit must be given to Samurai who took their defeat with their customary good grace. Need more be said?
The U13 Boys beat Hanwell Town 6-3 at home. Once the mechanics of locating the pitch were overcome the Dragons played exceptionally well – in the Coach’s words “…this was one of our best performances. They showed a great work rate and effort to secure the win”. The Dragons thoroughly deserved their three points against the well-drilled Hanwell.
The U14 Boys beat St Joseph’s 5-1 at home. St Joseph’s started well to lead 1 up after 5 minutes before the Dragons found a 25-minute equaliser. The second half was one of total dominance by KD. A second win in a row this season as the team grows up week by week.
The U15 Boys were beaten 3-6 at home by Belmont Bees. The Dragons went 0-2 down quickly and then had a penalty awarded against them before going into half time 0-4 down. The second half was far better as the Dragons kept battling and were duly rewarded with three goals.
The U16 Boys soundly beat Harrow St Mary’s 9-2 away. The Dragons were all over Harrow in the first half. When the Dragons created an opportunity, they hurled themselves at it with verve and, crucially, then had the composure to score. In two weeks, the Dragons meet their nemesis, Enfield, in the first round of the Middx Cup so not all matches will be as straightforward as this one against St Mary’s.
The U17 Boys were narrowly beaten 1-2 by the GAP at home. Against a strong technical side, the Dragons were able to use their energy and physical presence to create chances in the first half. A defensive lapse gave GAP a quick lead but an excellent shot from the edge of the box drew the Dragons even. A late goal leaves the Dragons still searching for their first Prem win.
The U17 Girls drew 1-1 to Highbury away. This was a great performance: solid at the back with a high work rate. Highbury have always been a top team in the league and this year the Dragons matched them and more, hitting the woodwork and creating one on ones. A goal apiece meant the Dragons opened their account this season.
The U15 Girls were beaten 0-2 at home by Wealdstone. The Dragons dominated the game from the off, creating chances through good passing and strong defending so, despite the score, they performed well as a team.
The U14 Girls beat Ruislip Rangers 7-0 at home. Barely 10 minutes into the match the Dragons were already 4 goals ahead and heading for a strong win. Somewhat surprisingly the Referee asked for the Dragons to adapt and shortened the game! The Dragons showed their sporting good nature and shuffled their squad but nonetheless still recorded a thumping 7-0 win.
The U13 Girls lost 1-4 away to Wealdstone away. An away match with leading players missing was always going to be tough but the Dragons competed to the end.
The U12 Girls trained as there was no match scheduled
The U10s trained knowing the future of the Dragons rests on their diminutive shoulders